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Belgium
Flanders
South Limburg
Hasselt

Nieuwerkerken

Attractions and Places To See around Nieuwerkerken - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Nieuwerkerken, a municipality in the Belgian province of Limburg, include a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. The region is characterized by its fruit-growing areas, offering picturesque landscapes with orchards, fields, and meadows. Nieuwerkerken provides access to various outdoor activities, including extensive hiking and cycling routes. This area is part of the Haspengouw region, known for its cultural landscape and natural beauty.

Best attractions and places to see around Nieuwerkerken

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Last updated: May 26, 2026

Herkenrode Abbey Site

Highlight • Historical Site

This abbey is over 800 years old. The historic buildings have been restored, and today it's a place to visit and relax. The surrounding nature reserve houses a botanical garden …

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Floating Chapel of Helshoven

Highlight • Monument

At the highest point of Helshoven, "De Galg," is this floating, or floating, cherrywood chapel. It's a work of art by Frits Jeuris, inspired by the Helshoven Chapel.

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Schulensmeer

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Beautiful view of the size of the Schulens lake...

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Liège is 60 meters above sea level. Six locks bridge the difference in height with Antwerp. One of these locks is the Godsheide Lock, built after the construction of the …

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Bovy Estate – De Wijers

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Domain Bovy is a pearl, grand in its simplicity. In the expansive 34-hectare hiking park, you can fully enjoy nature and indulge your taste buds in an atmospheric bistro or …

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OD
March 14, 2026, Fietsbrug en Sluizencomplex Godsheide

Convenient for crossing. Very wide cycle path, no problem passing each other ;)

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The Schulensmeer is the largest inland lake in Flanders. Numerous benches invite you to take a break.

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You feel the peace here, especially when you're on the other side and can admire the horses and sheep nearby in the beautiful open countryside. I'll definitely come back here for a walk. Wonderful 😎

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Jeff S
August 15, 2025, Schulensmeer

Beautiful view of the size of the Schulens lake...

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On the Bovy estate itself, there are three short themed walks for the whole family (preferably with kids). You can see them on the information board (see photos): a 1.7-kilometer "blue" walk called "Find Martin the Kingfisher," a 1-kilometer "red" walk called "The Hare Path," and the 2-kilometer "green" Wildplukpad (Wild Picking Trail).

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For those who haven't been to the Bovy Domain in a while (or not yet), it reopened in September 2024 after a somewhat delayed renovation as the first gateway to the De Wijers nature reserve. You can read about this at https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/09/20/domein-bovy-klaar/ and see it in more and more recent photos.

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In December 2021, De Langeman, a 200-meter-long, 6-meter-wide bicycle bridge, opened. The name De Langeman refers to the famous Hasselt giant, but also alludes to the physical characteristics of Hasselt's longest bridge.[3] The bridge is part of the F72 cycle highway, which changes banks there.

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Liège is 60 meters above sea level. Six locks bridge the difference in height with Antwerp. One of these locks is the Godsheide Lock, built after the construction of the Albert Canal between 1930 and 1938. The lock is 39.8 meters above sea level at its highest point and 29.7 meters at its lowest. Filling the 16-meter-deep lock requires 53,000 cubic meters of water, roughly equivalent to the volume of 17 Olympic swimming pools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Nieuwerkerken?

Nieuwerkerken and its surroundings offer several historical sites. The most popular is the Herkenrode Abbey Site, an over 800-year-old abbey with restored buildings and a botanical garden. You can also visit the historic Castle of Nieuwerkerken, dating back to 1648, and the unique Floating Chapel of Helshoven, an artwork made from cherrywood.

Are there any significant natural features or viewpoints in the area?

Yes, the region boasts several natural features and viewpoints. Schulensmeer is the largest inland lake in Flanders, offering beautiful views and benches for relaxation. The Floating Chapel of Helshoven is situated at 'De Galg', the highest point of Helshoven, providing breathtaking views of the Haspengouw landscape. The Bovy Estate also features a varied nature reserve with ponds, forests, and meadows.

What outdoor activities are available near Nieuwerkerken?

Nieuwerkerken is excellent for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can explore numerous routes through orchards, fields, and nature reserves. For mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around Nieuwerkerken, which include routes like the 'Unpaved Country Path – Vinnebeekstraat loop'. Road cyclists can find routes such as 'Schulensmeer – Houterenberg Climb loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Nieuwerkerken guide.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Nieuwerkerken?

Absolutely. The Herkenrode Abbey Site is considered family-friendly, offering a nature reserve and botanical garden to explore. The Bovy Estate – De Wijers is a 34-hectare hiking park with themed walks for families, ponds, and a playground. The Schulensmeer also provides a pleasant setting for family outings.

Can I go hiking around Nieuwerkerken?

Yes, Nieuwerkerken is a great starting point for hiking. The region offers numerous routes through picturesque landscapes, including hollow roads, orchards, and nature reserves. You can find various options in the Running Trails around Nieuwerkerken guide, which includes routes like the 'Kasteel van Nieuwerkerken loop' and the 'Nieuwenhoven Castle loop'.

What is the best time of year to visit Nieuwerkerken?

The fruit-growing region of Haspengouw, where Nieuwerkerken is located, is particularly beautiful during spring when the orchards are in blossom, offering picturesque landscapes. Autumn is also a great time for fruit picking and enjoying the harvest festivities. The natural parks and outdoor routes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months.

Are there any unique or hidden gems to discover?

The Floating Chapel of Helshoven is a truly unique artwork and a hidden gem, made from dozens of felled cherry trees. The Bovy Estate – De Wijers, described as a 'pearl' in its simplicity, offers a miniature experience of the larger De Wijers area with its boardwalks over ponds and varied nature.

What is the significance of the fruit-growing region around Nieuwerkerken?

Nieuwerkerken is situated in the rich Haspengouw fruit-growing area, which defines much of its picturesque landscape. This region is known for its extensive orchards, fields, and meadows. Visitors can enjoy guided blossom walks in spring, fruit stories, apple juice tasting, and even pick their own apples during seasonal events, making it a vibrant agricultural and scenic area.

Where can I find amenities like cafes or restaurants near attractions?

The Bovy Estate – De Wijers features an atmospheric bistro and a sun-drenched terrace where you can enjoy refreshments. While specific cafes directly adjacent to every highlight are not listed, the municipality of Nieuwerkerken and nearby towns offer various dining options.

Is Nieuwerkerken suitable for dog-friendly walks?

While specific dog parks are not detailed, many of the natural areas and hiking trails around Nieuwerkerken are generally suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and local regulations are followed. The expansive natural parks and fruit-growing landscapes offer plenty of space for outdoor strolls.

What is the 'De Wijers' area, and how can I experience it?

De Wijers is a unique natural landscape in Limburg, known for its more than 1000 ponds and rich cultural history. You can experience a miniature version of this area at the Bovy Estate – De Wijers, which is a 34-hectare park with ponds, forests, and meadows. It features boardwalks that guide you over and along the various ponds, allowing you to observe the diverse flora and fauna.

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